Robert Schumann | Introduction to his famous and representative works
Composer Robert Schumann, regarded as a romantic successor to Beethoven and Schubert, left works across a wide range of genres, from symphonies to choral music.
His output has so far been particularly noted for piano pieces and lieder.
Skillfully blending both Classical and Romantic styles, he produced many lyrical, romantic works unlike those of any other composer.
Here, we’ve picked out some of Schumann’s masterpieces and signature pieces.
Be sure to listen to Schumann’s works, which left a profound influence on later composers.
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Robert Schumann | Introducing Famous and Representative Works (71–80)
Cello Concerto in A minorRobert Schumann
Composed in 1850.
As a Romantic cello concerto, it enjoys many performance opportunities.
It consists of three movements that are played without breaks.
With its generally high register and the presence of double stops, it is regarded among cellists as a technically demanding piece.
Piano Quartet in E-flat majorRobert Schumann
This work is a masterpiece created in 1842, the so-called “year of chamber music.” Comprised of four movements, it showcases Schumann’s full creative power and innovation.
The first movement develops a forceful motif reminiscent of Beethoven’s influence; the scherzo of the second movement is notable for its buoyant rhythms.
In the third movement, the cello’s scordatura produces a distinctive resonance that deeply moves the listener.
The finale concludes with a brilliant fugato, brimming with warmth that reflects Schumann’s love for his family.
A highly recommended piece for chamber music enthusiasts!
Manfred OvertureRobert Schumann
Premiered in 1852, it is a piece of incidental music for soloists, chorus, and orchestra.
It was composed for the English poet Byron’s verse drama Manfred.
The work consists of an overture and 15 musical numbers.
Trumpets are used effectively throughout.
Violin Sonata No. 2 in D minorRobert Schumann
Composed just 40 days after Violin Sonata No.
1, this work is performed more frequently than the First.
Schumann was not entirely satisfied with the First Sonata, and, reflecting on that, is said to have paid careful attention to balance and structure when composing this one.
It is dedicated to Ferdinand David, and the violinist Joseph Joachim praised it, saying, “Because of the remarkable unity of feeling and the significance of its themes, I consider it one of the finest works of our time.”
Violin Concerto in A minorRobert Schumann
Schumann’s final work.
Composed in 1853 at the request of the violinist Joachim, but Joachim never performed it and sealed it away, and Clara told the family that it must never be played.
However, it was discovered eighty years after the composer’s death and once again drew attention.
Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 16 “First Sorrow”Robert Schumann
Album for the Young, composed in 1848 by the 19th-century German composer Robert Schumann.
This piece, one of the works in the collection, is a moving composition that expresses a quiet sorrow.
The left hand gently interjects as if to support the melancholic melody in the right hand.
Though short, it is a profound work that can convey both a quiet sadness and a sorrow tinged with anger.
If you try playing it while relating it to events in your own life—like thinking, “I was sad when that happened”—you may be able to achieve an even deeper expression.
Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 18: “The Reaper’s Song”Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann’s Album for the Young, composed for his three daughters.
The 18th piece in this collection of 43 piano miniatures is a work in which one can feel the joy of harvest amid a gently flowing melody.
It begins with a tender tune that evokes a peaceful rural landscape, moves to a powerful unison phrase, and finally brings a series of cheerful staccatos, as if a child were scampering about.
Because this piece lets you enjoy a variety of moods within a single work, it’s ideal to clearly differentiate each phrase in your playing.
Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 2: “Soldiers’ March”Robert Schumann
The second piece in Album for the Young is a lively march characterized by a succession of chords and dotted rhythms.
It’s a bright, spirited piece that vividly evokes soldiers marching in step.
Composed in 1848, it was written by Schumann with an educational purpose for his own children.
By practicing slowly and carefully, you’ll gain solid control over the chords.
To internalize the buoyant rhythm, it’s also recommended to incorporate rhythmic clapping into your practice.
Morning SongRobert Schumann
A collection of five piano solo pieces composed in 1853, also known as Songs of Dawn.
Written three years before Schumann’s death, it is among his final works.
By this time, Schumann was already suffering from mental illness, making the compositional process obscure.
His wife, Clara, also wrote in her diary that “the sound of this piece is exceedingly strange.”
Fantasy Pieces: Flight, Op. 12 No. 2Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann’s masterpiece “Fantasiestücke, No.
2 ‘Aufschwung,’ Op.
12.” It’s often performed at piano recitals, so many of you may be familiar with it.
In terms of difficulty, it’s slightly harder than Chopin’s ‘Minute Waltz,’ making it a popular choice as a piece for intermediate players.
A key point in this work is the right hand from measure 17.
If you focus too much on clearly bringing out the top voice, the sound can become hard, so try to play with an awareness of the horizontal flow.
